Thunderstorm Destroys Akanu Ibiam International Airport

Chinedu Eze

Flight activities were disrupted at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, as thunderstorm in the early hours of yesterday destroyed the terminal building.

This was confirmed by the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which informed the public that a natural disaster occurred at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

According to the acting General Manager, Corporate Affairs, FAAN, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, “A very heavy thunderstorm occurred at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu in the early hours of November 23, 2016, destroying some parts of the airport terminal building and pilot lounge and general aviation terminal. It also affected electric power lines to the airport, FAAN Staff Secondary and primary school buildings and private residential buildings.”
The agency said its management took immediate remedial action, which allowed flight operations in and out of the Airport.

“FAAN is doing her best to restore normalcy. There was no loss of life or injury and also flight operations were not affected in the airport. The management regrets the inconveniences caused by this incident to airport users and the general public,” the agency said.

Some people who do business at the airport lament that their wares were also destroyed and lamented their failure to insure their businesses.